A quaint cottage that was the birthplace of internationally acclaimed Australian soprano Marjorie Lawrence has hit the market as part of an intriguing Otways property.
The operatic performer, who shot to stardom as a lead with New York’s Metropolitan Opera in the 1930s, is considered Deans Marsh’s most is successful export.
She was born in 1907 at a modest circa 1890 cottage, which still stands as an important piece of local history at 1409 Birregurra Deans Marsh Rd, Deans Marsh.
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Lawrence Cottage, where operatic soprano Marjorie Lawrence was born retains its original charm.
The Met star, pictured, has an avenue named after her at the entrance to Deans Marsh.
‘Lawrence Cottage’ now forms part of a charming 4436sq m rural retreat where a more recent eclectic shed conversion is a standout.
Vendor, fashion designer Lynette Clucas, has worked her magic on a former garage to create a rustic New York inspired studio that opens up a world of possibility for new owners.
Recycled materials include antique French doors and salvaged windows that frame panoramic garden and rural views.
Torquay listing agent Robyn Dodd, who is handling the $1.5m sale, said buyers could take the property in many directions.
She said the historic two-bedroom cottage was “very original”, making it a great Airbnb prospect close to Deans Marsh’s popular corner store.
The vendor, a designer, has transformed this shed into a stylish studio at the property.
The studio has filled with cleverly reclaimed materials.
A beautiful rural outlook awaits on the deck.
“It is one of those opportunities that comes up every now and again and you just go ‘wow, what can we do with this?’,” Ms Dodd said.
“The transformation of the shed to the studio is incredible. They have also added another gorgeous little shed that was from the school and that can be another studio.
“There’s endless options for an artistic person or people trying to accommodate lots of family members who just want an incredible serene space – you won’t find better.”
A natural dam planted out with native grasses that act as an eco filter is the centrepiece of the picturesque garden showcasing locally sourced stone.
It was the north-facing outlook over the marsh that drew Ms Clucas from Fitzroy to the property in 2015.
She’s spent years converting the old garage into an industrial inspired work studio, featuring polished concrete floors, a raked ceiling and a wood fire.
The kitchen has a central island bench and timber countertops.
The natural swimming pool is a private oasis.
A reclaimed sewing machine stand has been repurposed as a vanity the studio bathroom.
The main space flows out to a deck overlooking rolling hills, while the bathroom, reminiscent of an Italian villa, has direct access to a courtyard.
“There was a fantastic second hand shop in Geelong and I was inspired by a lot of their old windows and I had come out of a warehouse in Melbourne so I just continued that theme for the studio,” Ms Clucas said.
“And my work benches are old staircases.”
Her passion for repurposing also she her rescue an old shed from Deans Marsh Primary School that was being given away to make way for a playground.
Lawrence, who died in 1979, was well known in Deans Marsh and is recognised with the Marjorie Lawrence avenue at the entrance to the town.
Marjorie Lawrence as ‘Alceste’ in 1941.
Despite her successful career in Paris and later New York, the star soprano regularly visited Australia, keeping a promise to perform in Winchelsea in 1939, when she was honoured with an escort of 100 horsemen.
She continued to perform even after a sudden bout of polio left her legs almost completely paralysed.
A 1955 film about her life, Interrupted Melody, won an Academy Award for best writing, story and screenplay.
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